The story of Ernest Aspinwall

The Service Center Building, constructed in 1923, is an extraordinary part of the Kansas State Penitentiary’s legacy, showcasing stunning Art Deco design on both its exterior and the interior of its auditorium/gymnasium. This three-story brick building holds a deep historical and cultural significance.
One of its most notable features is the series of four frescoes painted by former inmate Ernest Aspinwall. Aspinwall, serving two life sentences, demonstrated remarkable artistic talent during his incarceration. The frescoes are remarkable depictions of early frontier life and the pioneers who settled in Kansas. Aspinwall was deeply dedicated to his craft, often spending months researching the subject matter of his art to ensure its authenticity and detail.
Aspinwall’s meticulous work reflects not only his artistic talent but also to his commitment to preserving history through art. These frescoes are more than just paintings on a wall, they are an irreplaceable record of Kansas’s frontier past, capturing the spirit of those who helped shape the state’s identity.

Aspinwall’s sentences were commuted by the governor in 1959, and by 1969, Aspinwall was creating art as a street artist in San Francisco. Today many of his works are considered highly collectible.

This photo of Ernest Aspinwall, taken in 1959 by a Kansas City Star photographer, captures a moment of recognition for Ernie and his incredible artistic talent. At the time, the Star was featuring a story about his life, his artwork, and the frescoes he painted in the auditorium of the Service Center building. In the background of the photo, the older penitentiary buildings are visible, including the building that housed Death Row. This historic view contrasts with the present use of the same space, which is now the site of the baseball field and recreation area.

This photo serves as a powerful reminder of Aspinwall’s story and the evolution of the penitentiary itself – preserving the past while acknowledging its transformation over time.

Give the Gift of a Gift Certificate

A gift certificate for a historic Kansas State Penitentiary tour is a unique and memorable option! Give the gift of an unforgettable experience, exploring the stories and history of this iconic site. Perfect for history buffs, true crime fans, or anyone who loves a good adventure!
Please email us at: info@lansingkansashistory.com

Plan Ahead to Secure Your Spot!

Step into history with a guided tour of the historic Kansas State Penitentiary, where stories of notorious inmates, daring escapes, and a rich past come to life. Our tours are a unique opportunity to explore this iconic landmark, offering a glimpse into the architecture, culture, and justice system of its time.

These popular tours often sell out, so we strongly encourage you to book ahead to secure your preferred day and time. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a true crime fan, or simply curious about this one-of-a-kind site, you will want to take advantage of it!

Why Book Ahead?

  • Guaranteed access on your preferred date and time
  • Limited group sizes for a more personalized experience
  • Tours fill up quickly – don’t wait!

Reserve your spot today and make history part of your journey!

The Photography Tour

Hey there! We are giving you a heads-up that the photography tour follows the same route as the regular tour. We’ve made the photography tour three hours instead of two because we’ve noticed that people with cameras tend to take a bit longer at each stop. We want everyone to have a great time, so we want to ensure you know that before you book.

Keys to the Prison


From left to right in the picture: Jeff Conklin, Vice President of the Lansing Historical Society and Museum; Debra Bates-Lamborn, President; Gloria Geither, the Deputy Secretary of Facility Management for the Kansas Department of Corrections; Todd Thompson, Leavenworth County Attorney; and Senator Jeff Pittman. Senator Pittman played a crucial role in the Historical Society's acquisition of the prison for tours. of the prison for tours.

On Monday, September 9, 2024, a historical moment unfolded in front of Tower One at the Kansas State Penitentiary. This institution, with a rich history dating back to 1859, has been a significant part of our community. In a gesture of utmost respect and honor, Gloria Geither, the Deputy Secretary of Facility Management for the Kansas Department of Corrections, who has been a guiding force since the beginning, handed over the keys to the institution.

On Friday the 13th, we are opening the doors of the Kansas State Penitentiary for a unique and unforgettable experience. You can secure your spot for this rare opportunity at Lansingkansashistory.com. The tours will be running throughout September, with the last one of the season on October 26th.

Don’t miss out on a truly historic event – the first annual “Behind the Walls” car show. This exclusive event, a rare opportunity to step inside KSP, will be held on Saturday, September 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Be sure to mark your calendars for this unique glimpse into the history of the Kansas State Penitentiary.

“Behind the Walls” a car show

For just $25, you can bring your car along (drivers included!), with the same fee for passengers and walk-ins. And guess what? This isn’t just about cars—it’s also a fantastic fundraiser for the Lansing Historical Society and Museum, so you’ll be supporting a great cause while having a blast!

For just $25, you can bring your car along (drivers included!), with the same fee for passengers and walk-ins. And guess what? This isn’t just about cars—it’s also a fantastic fundraiser for the Lansing Historical Society and Museum, so you’ll be supporting a great cause while having a blast!